5-Ingredient Cherry Chocolate Brownies (Ready in 20!)

Introduction

Transform everyday pantry staples into intensely decadent chocolate cherry brownies in under an hour! This recipe is your shortcut to brownie bliss, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dessert cravings. Forget complicated techniques – this recipe prioritizes ease and delivers maximum flavor.

Why This Works

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor, beautifully complemented by the juicy sweetness of fresh cherries. It’s a simple mix-and-bake recipe, relying on readily available ingredients, making it the ultimate time-saver for busy cooks. The result? Brownies that are seriously impressive, yet surprisingly easy to make.

Key Ingredients

• 🍫 1 cup unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
• 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 🍯 1 cup granulated sugar
• 🥚 2 large eggs
• 🥛 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 🍒 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 🥣 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 🥄 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This simple prep step ensures easy brownie removal later.

2️⃣ In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter mixture and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to lighter and fluffier brownies.

4️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.

5️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed.

6️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough brownies.

7️⃣ Gently fold in the pitted and halved cherries.

8️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

9️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don’t overbake! Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumbly.

🔟 Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.

Handy Tips

• For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have fresh cherries, you can substitute with frozen cherries (thawed and patted dry).
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Heat Control

Maintaining a consistent oven temperature is crucial. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, while underbaking will leave them gooey in the center. The ideal baking time is 25-30 minutes, but always check for doneness with a toothpick.

Crunch Factor

While these brownies are primarily fudgy, the cherries add a delightful burst of juicy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich, moist chocolate.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Toast the cherries before adding them to the batter for a deeper, more caramelized flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These brownies are perfect for gifting! Package individual squares in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or present the whole pan beautifully wrapped. A simple tag with the recipe name adds a personal touch.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Salted Caramel Swirl: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to the batter before baking.
🌟 Chocolate Chip Cherry: Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the cherries.
🌟 Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a bright citrusy note.
🌟 Nutty Delight: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Troubleshooting

• Brownies are dry: You may have overbaked them. Next time, reduce the baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness earlier.
• Brownies are gooey: You may have underbaked them. Bake for a few more minutes and check again.
• Brownies are cracked on top: This is often due to overmixing or too much leavening agent. Next time, mix until just combined and be careful not to overbake.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
• Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes, they’re best enjoyed fresh, but they keep well for several days when stored properly.
• What kind of chocolate should I use? Unsweetened chocolate is recommended for this recipe, but you can experiment with other types of chocolate.
• Can I use a different type of pan? An 8×8 inch pan is recommended for this recipe, but you can use a larger or smaller pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly. A 9×13 inch pan will likely require less baking time.
• Are these brownies gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

These Decadent Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends and family (or keeping all to yourself!). Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this simple yet impressive recipe. Don’t forget to share your creations on Ratemyrecipes.com!